Transporters found using code words to evade tax in Ahmedabad

When state Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) booked 22 persons from check posts at Amirgadh and Gundri, they found truck drivers in possession of similar 'magical words' that allowed them to pass through check posts without scrutiny!September 05, 2016, 09:08 IST

Ahmedabad: One might have read about the magical phrase 'Khul Ja Sim Sim' in the story of 'Alibaba and 40 thieves', used to open the cave of treasure. When state Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) booked 22 persons from check posts at Amirgadh and Gundri, they found truck drivers in possession of similar 'magical words' that allowed them to pass through check posts without scrutiny!

"We came to learn that transporters having close ties with check post officials received daily code words such as 'Mewad' and 'Rose'," said an ACB official. "Check post staff allowed vehicles to pass through without having to pay tax if the driver knew the code word of the day," he said. Five persons including two commercial tax department officials were arrested in past two days for their role in the racket.

In total, value-added tax (VAT) evasion of Rs 1.65 crore has been detected, said ACB officials on Saturday. In a search operation at Amirgadh and Gundri check posts by ACB, investigators found that over 200 vehicles were allowed to pass without inspection over the past month. The details were revealed when officials checked the electronic surveillance records and also kept a watch on the gates of the check posts.

"Others would be caught soon. Questioning of those arrested has begun to ascertain how the racket was functioning and who were involved," said Pandey, adding, "We worked with the commercial tax department and received full cooperation."

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